Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli, said on Sunday that Press in Pakistan enjoyed complete freedom as ensured by any democratic system. The minister said in a statement issued here that new television channels were being set up every day. They enjoy complete freedom to report as they consider it fair to do.
People belonging to all sections of the society are free to appear on these channels and present their opinion. Discussions broadcast by these channels are free and frank, she said.
This freedom of expression has strengthened democracy in the country and brought many important matters to the knowledge of people, she said and added many issues were thoroughly discussed and then peacefully resolved.
This is the spirit of true democracy. No bitter feelings but only warmth and friendliness.
President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had both stated many times that people would have full freedom to express their opinion as allowed under the law of the country, she described.
She said that people had lauded this declaration by the leaders of the country, as it had enabled them to participate in the national affairs with greater confidence and devotion than ever before.
The minister said the governments in the past could not tolerate even minor criticism. One former government had charged the editor of a certain daily with sedition for criticising its policies in a poem.
She said those rulers were small people and therefore lacked the quality of tolerance.
Those people could not tolerate even a short poem critical of their policies, how then could they work for democracy? she asked.
It was impossible for them to do because they did not believe in democracy.
She said that it should also be kept in mind that the Press carried a heavy responsibility while reporting on various matters.
It should be within the limit of law, morality and traditions of the society, Anisa said.
The society should be strengthened and not weakened if the democracy has to survive and prosper to the delight of all people.
After all it is the democratic system that people love to implement. They thrive in it and earn them honour and glory.
Such is the system that the present government had worked hard to implement and strengthen, she added.
The minister said the government had done it to complete satisfaction of the people of Pakistan and this was its real story of success and honour.
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